You probably recognize him as the guy who walked into the Love Island USA villa and immediately made everyone rethink their stance on "city boys." Taylor Williams didn’t just play the part of an Oklahoma cowboy; he showed up with the boots, the accent, and a backstory that honestly sounds like it was ripped straight out of a screenplay.
Most reality TV "cowboys" are just guys who bought a Stetson at the airport on their way to filming. Taylor is different. He’s the real deal. We’re talking about a guy who grew up on a 33-acre horse ranch in Oklahoma, whose grandfather was a local legend in the Black cowboy community, and who was literally riding horses before he could walk.
The Love Island USA Journey: That Wild Casa Amor Pivot
Taylor entered the villa in Season 7 as a day-one Islander, and for a minute there, it looked like he and Olandria Carthen were going to be the "steady" couple of the season. They had that slow-burn, friendship-first vibe that usually wins over the audience.
But then Casa Amor happened.
Everything changed when Clarke Carraway walked in. Taylor has been pretty vocal about the fact that while he and Olandria had a solid connection, Clarke gave him that "kid feeling"—you know, that giddy, butterfly-heavy spark that makes you do stupid things.
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Choosing Clarke over Olandria wasn’t exactly a popular move with the fans. Actually, it was kind of a disaster for his "public approval" rating. People on social media were brutal. They accused him of leading Olandria on just to stay safe until someone better came along.
What actually happened?
Taylor addressed this head-on in post-show interviews with E! News and Vulture. He basically said that if he were faking it, he would have stayed with Olandria because that was the "safe" route to the finale. Choosing Clarke meant knowing the public would probably vote them out—which is exactly what happened on July 8, 2025. They were dumped right after making their relationship exclusive.
The Louis Vuitton Connection: From the Ranch to Paris
Here’s the thing about Taylor Williams that most people don't realize: he isn't just a reality star. He’s a high-fashion model who was hand-picked by Pharrell Williams.
Early in 2024, Pharrell was looking for "authentic cowboys" for the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter show in Paris. He didn't want models who could act like cowboys; he wanted the real thing. A talent agency found Taylor on Instagram—where he was mostly just posting photos of his horses—and the next thing he knew, he was on a plane to France.
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- He walked the runway for Louis Vuitton in Paris.
- He did a full editorial shoot for Wonderland Magazine.
- He’s since worked with brands like Levi’s, Stetson, and Timberland.
He told his college media site at Oklahoma State University that Pharrell repeatedly thanked him for coming out. Imagine being so authentic that the Creative Director of Louis Vuitton is thanking you for showing up.
Life After the Villa: The Rodeo Accident and Beyond
Life hasn’t been all red carpets and horses since the cameras stopped rolling. In August 2025, news broke that Taylor was hospitalized following a "terrifying" rodeo accident. As a competitive rider, he’s used to the risks, but this one was serious enough to land him on crutches for a while.
Despite the physical setback, his relationship with Clarke seems to be one of the few Love Island success stories that actually stuck. By October 2025, Taylor made it "Instagram official" in a super heartfelt post. Even while on crutches from his injury, he asked Clarke to be his girlfriend, and they’ve been navigating the long-distance struggle between Oklahoma and South Carolina ever since.
Is Taylor Williams Actually a Vet?
Short answer: Almost.
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He didn't just go to school for the "vibe." Taylor graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in animal science. In 2024, he actually started his doctorate studies at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. His ultimate goal isn't just to be "famous"—he wants to open a veterinary clinic in Oklahoma specifically for large animals and horses.
It’s a weirdly grounded career path for someone who just spent a summer in a Fiji villa. While most Islanders are out here trying to launch a podcast or a supplement line, Taylor is literally studying for exams and cleaning stalls on his family's ranch.
Why We Should Stop Doubting the "Cowboy"
The internet loves to call people "performative," especially on Love Island. But Taylor’s involvement with the Oklahoma Cowboys foundation—an organization that supports Black cowboys through education and agriculture—shows he’s deeply rooted in his culture. He isn't just wearing the hat; he’s carrying on a legacy started by his grandfather, Fred "The Lawman" Williams.
Whether you were Team Olandria or you’ve come around to Team Clarke, you have to respect the hustle. He’s juggling a modeling career that involves Paris fashion weeks, a grueling vet school curriculum, and the physical demands of the rodeo circuit.
If you're looking for the "actionable" takeaway here, it's pretty simple: keep an eye on his socials for his veterinary journey. He’s been posting more "farm content" on TikTok lately (@twill.3), and it’s a refreshing break from the usual influencer aesthetic.
What to Watch for Next:
- The Veterinary Clinic: Taylor is still on track for his doctorate. Expect updates on his clinical rotations as he moves closer to his 2028 graduation.
- Rodeo Comeback: After his 2025 injury, fans are waiting to see when he'll return to competitive riding.
- The Long Distance Update: Watch his and Clarke’s Instagram for how they handle the Oklahoma-to-South Carolina move. They’ve hinted at co-habitation, but no official move has happened yet.
Taylor Williams proved that you can be "too real" for reality TV and still come out on top. He didn't win the prize money, but he walked away with a career, a degree in progress, and a relationship that outlasted the hype of the finale.